The PS3 was recently hacked wide open, the capaciously heavy doors keeping it secure blasted off by the public release of the root cryptography key that keep unlicenced software from running. This has opened the floodgates of piracy on the system, with the side effect of an increased number of cheaters on Sony’s online service, the PlayStation Network.
Sony, as you could understand, are not happy about the breach. They’ve tried suing all of those responsible, even eyeing end users of the exploits as targets of litigation. They’ve now issued a stern warning to those who continue to bypass the systems security measure.
Notice: Unauthorized circumvention devices for the PlayStation 3 system have been recently released by hackers. These devices permit the use of unauthorized or pirated software. Use of such devices or software violates the terms of the “System Software License Agreement for the PlayStation 3 System” and the “Terms of Services and User Agreement” for the PlayStation Network/Qriocity and its Community Code of Conduct provisions. Violation of the System Software Licence Agreement for the PlayStation 3 System invalidates the consumer guarantee for that system. In addition, copying or playing pirated software is a violation of International Copyright Laws. Consumers using circumvention devices or running unauthorized or pirated software will have access to the PlayStation Network and access to Qriocity services through PlayStation 3 system terminated permanently.
To avoid this, consumers must immediately cease use and remove all circumvention devices and delete all unauthorized or pirated software from their PlayStation 3 systems.
Interesting to note is that Playstation.blog had this to say regarding the notice. “Many PlayStation.Blog readers have asked how we intend to deal with these incidents that they have been reading about in the gaming press, and this is our initial response.â€
Could Sony the preparing to press that big red button that nukes consoles remotely?
While pirates are largely unlikely to be affected – many probably have a second console for playing illicitly downloaded wares, or have no interest in the online aspect – this will at least help remove the cheaters and griefers from online play, making the PSN a happier place for those who’re willing to pay for the games they play. I support this initiative, and would like to add that it’s about goddamned time.Of course, hackers will find away around this; they always do.
Source : Playstation Blog
[Ed Update: And it’s begun, there are now reports spreading across the Internet of hackers and pirates being unable to connect to the PSN“You cannot use the PlayStation Network with this account (8002a227)”
Personally I hope a bunch of pirates have now lost a ton of money and that they are either going to go buy themselves another PS3 or  just leave the gaming community altogether, you’re not really wanted anyway]
Last Updated: February 17, 2011
